70. THE VET

This is the home of a man named Dr. Oscar Crouch, referred to by locals as “The Grouch”, and his son Melvin.  The Grouch was formerly a Veterinary researcher with Militech, looking at the effects of Cybernetics on animals, and how to best utilize them for military applications.  He was fired after three of his test subjects were set free by a sympathetic assistant, and they went on a killing spree.  Crouch himself was mauled in the incident, leaving him horribly scarred.  His son takes care of feeding and training the animals.

Here in the Gauntlet, on this property, he continues those experiments with dogs, cats, and other assorted street animals.   He pays a small fee for any animals brought to him.  To fund his operation he sells his successful animals to gangs and others as watch dogs and sentry animals.  Less successful animals are sold for dog fights.  He also offers his veterinary service to pick up extra cash, though only the most desperate go to him.

The Kennel consists of a two story house and a walled yard full of cages and small runs.  Usually only about half the cages have animals in them.   The animals there have undergone varying degrees of Cybernetic Augmentation.  Most are half mad.  Three augmented animals patrol the grounds at all, these animals are extremely dangerous.  Crouch and son reside in the upper floor; the ground floor is research, with full lab and operating room.  Kept in the basement are Crouch’s greatest successes, a tiger and a baboon.

(The Vet suggested by Companero from VFTE)

Written By Deric Bernier, Images from Weapon Brown, Deus Ex, Fallout: New Vegas, Zalas,

For questions, complaints, criticisms and suggestions, e-mail the author:wisdom000@gmail.com